President Obama, who clinched 34 percent of the vote, came in second; followed by First Lady Michelle Obama (7 percent) and the United States military (5 percent).

Interest in the life, legacy and music of the pop music icon, who died earlier this year, surged to an all-time high in ’09. And BET.com users have added another tribute to his long list of awards as they honor his memory, accomplishments and the timeless gift of his music he left the world to enjoy.

Other candidates for BET.com’s Person of the year included Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Vick and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Congratulations, Michael, from BET.com. Your memory will stay alive in our hearts and minds every time we hear one of your masterpieces or remember the bottomless love you shared with people all over the world.